If I am hit by falling merchandise at a store in Los Angeles, can I sue?

20 Dec 2018

Over the busy holiday season, it’s highly likely you may be shopping in a store that has merchandise stacked high, possibly over your head. In many stores, merchandise is dozens of feet over the floor level. This helps businesses save money on additional storage for excess inventory, and saves time because the workers do not have to go restock items from the warehouse. However, if the merchandise is not secured properly, it can pose a major risk to the customers.

There are no clear numbers on how many consumers are injured each year because of falling merchandise. One expert has estimated that thousands of customers are hit each year. In most cases, if a customer is hit by something falling from an upper shelf, the customer is hit on the head, which can be extremely dangerous. In addition, even small objects can cause serious injuries to victims below if they fall from large heights.

Businesses have a duty to provide a safe environment for their customers and their employees. If merchandise falls, it is clearly due to negligence on the part of the business. When a business does not properly secure their merchandise, the business is not protecting those in the store from possible injury. In those cases, customers who are injured may be able to receive compensation for their injuries, including compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

If you are hit by falling merchandise in the Los Angeles area, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney at 310-385-0567. We can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.